US6514143B1 - Program executing system, relay device, manual controller, recording medium, program, and program executing apparatus - Google Patents

Program executing system, relay device, manual controller, recording medium, program, and program executing apparatus Download PDF

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Publication number
US6514143B1
US6514143B1 US09/656,463 US65646300A US6514143B1 US 6514143 B1 US6514143 B1 US 6514143B1 US 65646300 A US65646300 A US 65646300A US 6514143 B1 US6514143 B1 US 6514143B1
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United States
Prior art keywords
program
manual controller
data
program executing
control units
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US09/656,463
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English (en)
Inventor
Makoto Tanaka
Toru Akazawa
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Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc
Sony Network Entertainment Platform Inc
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Sony Computer Entertainment Inc
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Assigned to SONY COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT INC. reassignment SONY COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: AKAZAWA, TORU, TANAKA, MAKOTO
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Assigned to SONY NETWORK ENTERTAINMENT PLATFORM INC. reassignment SONY NETWORK ENTERTAINMENT PLATFORM INC. CHANGE OF NAME (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: SONY COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT INC.
Assigned to SONY COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT INC. reassignment SONY COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: SONY NETWORK ENTERTAINMENT PLATFORM INC.
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/02—Input arrangements using manually operated switches, e.g. using keyboards or dials
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
    • A63F13/20—Input arrangements for video game devices
    • A63F13/23—Input arrangements for video game devices for interfacing with the game device, e.g. specific interfaces between game controller and console
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
    • A63F13/20—Input arrangements for video game devices
    • A63F13/22—Setup operations, e.g. calibration, key configuration or button assignment
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
    • A63F13/20—Input arrangements for video game devices
    • A63F13/23—Input arrangements for video game devices for interfacing with the game device, e.g. specific interfaces between game controller and console
    • A63F13/235—Input arrangements for video game devices for interfacing with the game device, e.g. specific interfaces between game controller and console using a wireless connection, e.g. infrared or piconet
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
    • A63F13/90—Constructional details or arrangements of video game devices not provided for in groups A63F13/20 or A63F13/25, e.g. housing, wiring, connections or cabinets
    • A63F13/95—Storage media specially adapted for storing game information, e.g. video game cartridges
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F2300/00—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
    • A63F2300/10—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by input arrangements for converting player-generated signals into game device control signals
    • A63F2300/1025—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by input arrangements for converting player-generated signals into game device control signals details of the interface with the game device, e.g. USB version detection
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F2300/00—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
    • A63F2300/10—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by input arrangements for converting player-generated signals into game device control signals
    • A63F2300/1025—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by input arrangements for converting player-generated signals into game device control signals details of the interface with the game device, e.g. USB version detection
    • A63F2300/1031—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by input arrangements for converting player-generated signals into game device control signals details of the interface with the game device, e.g. USB version detection using a wireless connection, e.g. Bluetooth, infrared connections
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F2300/00—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
    • A63F2300/20—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterised by details of the game platform
    • A63F2300/206—Game information storage, e.g. cartridges, CD ROM's, DVD's, smart cards

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a program executing system, a relay device, a manual controller, a recording medium, a program, and a program executing apparatus which are preferably applicable to an entertainment system such as a television game system or the like.
  • Manual controllers that have heretofore been used with television game apparatus or the like have a control unit including direction buttons for indicating the directions in which to move a character in its entirety, i.e., four positive and negative directions along X- and Y-axes on the display screen of a television receiver, and control buttons for indicating movements of left and right arms and left and right legs of the character.
  • a manual controller with such a control unit with a plurality of buttons is connected to a television game apparatus, and sends control data of the control unit, indicative of whether the user has acted on any of the buttons or not, to the television game apparatus.
  • the television game apparatus has an image generator processor, and is connected to the television receiver that serves as a display monitor. Based on the content of control data sent from the manual controller, the image generator processor calculates and renders an image to be displayed in a next frame on the display screen of the television receiver.
  • the image calculated and rendered by the image generator processor is stored in a VRAM (video RAM).
  • VRAM video RAM
  • the image stored in the VRAM is transferred from the television game apparatus as an NTSC television signal or the like and displayed on the display screen of the television receiver.
  • the television game apparatus performs a succession of processes (1)-(3), given below, in each frame, e.g., in ⁇ fraction (1/60) ⁇ second, as shown by an upper sequence 1 in FIG. 19 of the accompanying drawings, for thereby displaying images based on control actions on the manual controller on the display screen on a real-time basis.
  • the television game apparatus communicates with the manual controller during a time ta.
  • the television game apparatus calculates a game image depending on communications with the manual controller during a time tb.
  • the television game apparatus stores the calculated game image in the VRAM during a time tc.
  • the image may be displayed too late for the new frame subsequent to the given period, i.e., ⁇ fraction (1/60) ⁇ second as shown by a lower sequence 2 in FIG. 19, with the result that the displayed image on the television receiver tends to be disturbed or slowed down like a slow-motion image.
  • the manual controller needs to have a higher-speed microcomputer and a higher-speed clock generator, and hence becomes more expensive to manufacture.
  • a program executing system comprises a program executing apparatus for reading and executing a program stored in a recording medium, and a manual controller connected to the program executing apparatus and having a plurality of control units, for sending a control request from the user as control data to the program executing apparatus in response to operation by the user of at least one of the control units, the program executing apparatus having means for sending transmission definition indication data defining a type of control data to be sent from the manual controller, to the manual controller when the program executing apparatus starts executing and/or is executing the program.
  • the program executing apparatus when the program executing apparatus starts executing and/or is executing the program, the program executing apparatus sends transmission definition indication data defining a type of control data to be sent from the manual controller, to the manual controller. Therefore, the amount of control data sent from the manual controller to the program executing apparatus can possibly be reduced when the program executing apparatus starts executing and/or is executing the program.
  • a relay device connected to the program executing apparatus for performing wireless communications between the program executing apparatus and the manual controller may be disposed between the program executing apparatus and the manual controller.
  • the manual controller has a storage unit for storing the transmission definition indication data, then it is not necessary to send the transmission definition indication data from the program executing apparatus to the manual controller while the program is being executed unless the transmission definition indication data is changed.
  • updating transmission definition indication data may be sent to the manual controller to update the content of the transmission definition indication data when the program executing apparatus is executing the program.
  • a program executing system comprises a program executing apparatus for reading and executing a program stored in a recording medium, a relay device connected to the program executing apparatus and having a first wireless communication unit, and a manual controller having a plurality of control units and a second wireless communication unit for communicating with the first wireless communication unit, for sending a control request from the user as control data to the relay device in response to operation by the user of at least one of the control units, the program executing apparatus having means for sending transmission definition indication data defining a type of control data to be sent from the manual controller via the relay device, to the relay device when the program executing apparatus starts executing and/or is executing the program.
  • the program executing apparatus when the program executing apparatus starts executing and/or is executing the program, the program executing apparatus sends transmission definition indication data defining a type of control data to be sent from the manual controller via the relay device to the program executing apparatus, to the relay device. Therefore, the amount of control data sent from the manual controller via the relay device to the program executing apparatus can possibly be reduced when the program executing apparatus starts executing and/or is executing the program.
  • the relay device has a storage unit for storing the transmission definition indication data, then it is not necessary to send the transmission definition indication data from the program executing apparatus to the relay device while the program is being executed unless the transmission definition indication data is changed.
  • updating transmission definition indication data may be sent to the relay device to update or change the content of the transmission definition indication data when the program executing apparatus is executing the program.
  • the program executing apparatus may comprise an entertainment apparatus for reading and executing a program stored in a recording medium detachably loaded in the entertainment apparatus.
  • a relay device is capable of performing wireless communications between a program executing apparatus and a manual controller, or is capable of performing wireless communications between a program executing apparatus and a manual controller, and processes wireless control data sent from the manual controller and sends the processed wireless control data to the program executing apparatus.
  • a manual controller having a plurality of control units, for sending control data in response to operation by the user of at least one of the control units, comprises control data transmission defining means for defining a type of the control data to be sent in response to an externally inputted instruction.
  • the manual controller has the control data transmission defining means for defining a type of the control data to be sent in response to an externally inputted instruction, the time during which the control data is outputted can possibly be reduced even if there are many types of control data.
  • control data transmission defining means may output control data based on the type of the control data stored in the storage unit.
  • the storage unit may have means for storing a type of control data to be outputted from the slave manual controller when the manual controller is turned on. Consequently, the manual controller may be used instead of the slave manual controller.
  • a recording medium stores a program comprising the steps of confirming an electric connection with a manual controller having a plurality of control units, for sending control data in response to operation by the user of at least one of the control units, and transmitting transmission definition indication data defining a type of the control data to be sent from the manual controller, to the manual controller.
  • the program stored in the recording medium is executed by a program executing apparatus connected to the manual controller, it is possible for the program executing apparatus to define a type of control data to be sent from the manual controller.
  • a recording medium stores a program comprising the steps of confirming an electric connection with a manual controller having a plurality of control units, for sending control data in response to operation by the user of at least one of the control units, causing the manual controller to enter from a normal mode into a transmission definition indication mode for defining a type of the control data to be sent, transmitting transmission definition indication data defining a type of the control data to be sent to the manual controller, and causing the manual controller to enter the transmission definition indication mode into the normal mode.
  • the definition of a type of the control data to be sent from the manual controller can be updated or changed while the program is being executed.
  • a program comprises the steps of confirming an electric connection with a manual controller having a plurality rality of control units, for sending control data in response to operation by the user of at least one of the control units, and transmitting transmission definition indication data defining a type of the control data to be sent from the manual controller, to the manual controller.
  • a program executing apparatus for being connected to a manual controller having a plurality of control units, for sending control data in response to operation by the user of at least one of the control units, and reading and executing a program stored in a recording medium, comprises transmission definition indication data sending means for sending transmission definition indication data defining a type of the control data to be sent from the manual controller to the program executing apparatus, to the manual controller, according to a content of the read program.
  • the transmission definition indication data sending means sends transmission definition indication data defining a type of the control data to be sent from the manual controller to the program executing apparatus, to the manual controller.
  • the program executing apparatus it is possible for the program executing apparatus to define a type of control data to be sent from the manual controller.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an entertainment system according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is a plan view of a manual controller of the entertainment system shown in FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective, partly omitted from illustration, of a control unit capable of producing multigradation outputs
  • FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view of the control unit capable of producing multigradation outputs
  • FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective, partly omitted from illustration, of a control unit capable of producing binary outputs
  • FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view of the control unit capable of producing binary outputs
  • FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an electric circuit arrangement of the entertainment system shown in FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an electric circuit arrangement of the manual controller of the entertainment system shown in FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 9 is a diagram showing details of a button information register
  • FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrative of the manner in which the button information register is set and updated
  • FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a processing sequence of an entertainment apparatus for setting and updating the button information register
  • FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a processing sequence of the manual controller for setting and updating the button information register
  • FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an entertainment system according to another embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of another control unit capable of producing multigradation outputs
  • FIG. 15 is a block diagram of an electric circuit arrangement of major components of a relay device and a manual controller in the entertainment system shown in FIG. 13;
  • FIG. 16 is a block diagram of an electric circuit arrangement of the entertainment system shown in FIG. 13;
  • FIG. 17 is a plan view of the manual controller according to the other embodiment which is used as a wireless remote controller for an entertainment apparatus functioning as a DVD player;
  • FIG. 18 is a plan view of a dedicated wireless remote controller for exclusive use with an entertainment apparatus functioning as a DVD player.
  • FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrative of processes performed during the period of one frame.
  • FIG. 1 shows in perspective an entertainment system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the entertainment system 10 basically comprises an entertainment apparatus 12 as a program executing apparatus for reading and executing various programs stored in a recording medium such as an optical disk which may be a CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read-Only Memory), a DVD (Digital Video Disk), or the like, a manual controller 200 detachably connected to one of lower jacks 16 A, 16 B of respective two slots 14 A, 14 B of the entertainment apparatus 12 , and a display monitor 20 such as a television receiver which is supplied with video and audio output signals from the entertainment apparatus 12 .
  • a recording medium such as an optical disk which may be a CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read-Only Memory), a DVD (Digital Video Disk), or the like
  • a manual controller 200 detachably connected to one of lower jacks 16 A, 16 B of respective two slots 14 A, 14 B of the entertainment apparatus 12
  • a display monitor 20 such as a television receiver which is supplied with video and audio output signals from the entertainment apparatus 12 .
  • the slots 14 A, 14 B also have upper jacks 18 A, 18 B, respectively, to which there can be connected a memory card having a flash memory for storing interim game data or a portable information terminal which can be disconnected for playing a game independently.
  • the entertainment apparatus 12 has an optical disk drive 22 functioning as a reading and reproducing device for playing back an optical disk OD in which various programs (application programs, device drivers, etc.) and data are recorded, and a graphic system functioning as an image processing means for displaying background images and characters on the display screen of the display monitor 20 according to a program recorded in the optical disk OD.
  • an optical disk drive 22 functioning as a reading and reproducing device for playing back an optical disk OD in which various programs (application programs, device drivers, etc.) and data are recorded
  • a graphic system functioning as an image processing means for displaying background images and characters on the display screen of the display monitor 20 according to a program recorded in the optical disk OD.
  • the entertainment apparatus 12 also has a disk loading unit 24 for loading the optical disk OD, a reset switch 26 for resetting a computer (CPU) in the entertainment apparatus 12 , a power supply switch 28 , and a lid opening button 30 for opening a lid of the disk loading unit 24 to allow the optical disk OD to be placed into or removed from the disk loading unit 24 .
  • a disk loading unit 24 for loading the optical disk OD
  • a reset switch 26 for resetting a computer (CPU) in the entertainment apparatus 12
  • a power supply switch 28 for resetting a computer (CPU) in the entertainment apparatus 12
  • a power supply switch 28 for resetting a computer (CPU) in the entertainment apparatus 12
  • a lid opening button 30 for opening a lid of the disk loading unit 24 to allow the optical disk OD to be placed into or removed from the disk loading unit 24 .
  • FIG. 2 shows in plan the manual controller 200 of the entertainment system 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 .
  • the manual controller 200 and the entertainment apparatus 12 are connected to each other by a connecting cord 202 as a multicore cable extending from a casing 201 of the manual controller 200 .
  • a plug 203 as a connector is attached to the distal end of the connecting cord 202 .
  • the casing 201 of the manual controller 200 supports thereon a first control unit 210 and a second control unit 220 on its upper surface.
  • the first control unit 210 has its function determined by an application program recorded in the optical disk OD. Normally, the first control unit 210 serves as a control unit for moving a character displayed on the display screen of the display monitor 20 .
  • the first control unit 210 has first through fourth control buttons 211 , 212 , 213 , 214 , serving as control switches, that the user or game player can press to move a displayed character upwardly, downwardly, leftwardly, and rightwardly on the display screen of the display monitor 20 .
  • the first control button 211 is allocated a function to move the character to the left
  • the second control unit 220 also has fifth through eighth control buttons 221 , 222 , 223 , 224 serving as control switches.
  • the second control unit 220 has its function determined by an application program recorded in the optical disk OD. Normally, the second control unit 220 serves as a control unit for changing the states of the displayed character.
  • the fifth control button 221 (marked with “ ⁇ ”), is allocated a function to move the left arm of the displayed character
  • the sixth control button 222 (marked with “ ⁇ ”) a function to move the right arm of the displayed character
  • the seventh control button 223 marked with “ ⁇ ” a function to move the left leg of the displayed character
  • the eighth control button 224 (marked with “x”) a function to move the right leg of the displayed character.
  • the casing 201 also supports thereon joystick control units 241 , 242 that can be swiveled to enter analog inputs.
  • the casing 201 further supports thereon a start switch 230 for instructing the entertainment apparatus 12 to start a game, a selection switch 231 for selecting a level of difficulty of the game, a mode selection switch 232 for selecting a control mode about whether the joystick control units 241 , 242 can be used or not, and an indicator 233 comprising a light-emitting element for indicating a selected control mode.
  • the casing 201 has on its back an R button 234 comprising two R 1 , R 2 buttons 234 a, 234 b and an L button 235 comprising two L 1 , L 2 buttons 235 a, 235 b, each button serving as a control unit whose function is set by an application program.
  • control units 250 The above various control units are also collectively referred to as control units 250 .
  • the entertainment system 10 thus constructed operates as follows:
  • the optical disk drive 22 reads a program recorded in the optical disk OD, and the user or game player operates various buttons and switches of the first and second control units 210 , 220 and other control units on the manual controller 200 .
  • Control requests based on the control actions by the user are transmitted as control data from the control units 250 to the entertainment apparatus 12 .
  • the entertainment apparatus 12 calculates a desired image, displays the image on the display screen of the display monitor 20 , and/or generates an audio output, thereby executing a game according to the program read from the optical disk OD.
  • the execution of the game mainly represents controlling the progress of the game and the display of images and the generation of sounds.
  • the control units 250 of the manual controller 200 includes 12 control units 251 for producing 4-bit multigradation outputs, i.e., the first control unit 210 having the first through fourth control buttons 211 , 212 , 213 , 214 , the second control unit 220 having the fifth through eighth control buttons 221 , 222 , 223 , 224 , the R buttons 234 , and the L buttons 235 .
  • Each of these control units 251 comprises a pressure-sensitive element whose resistance varies depending on the strain thereof (also referred to as “pressure-sensitive resistor”).
  • the manual controller 200 has A/D converters which convert a change in the resistance of the pressure-sensitive elements from an analog signal into a digital signal which represents a 4-bit (18-gradation) output as a multigradation output.
  • the manual controller 200 has either comparator connected to output terminals of the pressure-sensitive elements for producing a 1-bit output (binary output), i.e., an output of “1” or “0”, indicative of whether the corresponding button is pressed or not, or A/D converters for converting a change in the resistance of the pressure-sensitive elements from an analog signal into a digital signal, and producing a 1-bit output (binary output), i.e., an output of “1” or “0”, indicative of whether the corresponding button is pressed or not based on the LSB (Least Significant Bit) of the digital signal.
  • LSB east Significant Bit
  • the control units 250 also include 3 binary-output control units 252 including the start switch 230 , the selection switch 231 , and the mode selection switch 232 . Each of these switches comprises an on-off switch.
  • the control units 250 further include the two joystick control units 241 , 242 each of which is connected to two rheostats. Each of the rheostats produces an output voltage which is converted from an analog signal into a digital signal representing an 8-bit multigradation output.
  • FIG. 3 shows in exploded perspective the second control unit 220 , for example, as one of the 12 control units 251 each capable of producing a multigradation output or a binary output as control information.
  • FIG. 4 shows the second control unit 220 in fragmentary cross section at an enlarge scale.
  • the second control unit 220 comprises four control buttons 301 corresponding respectively to the control buttons 221 , 222 , 223 , 224 , a resilient member 302 , and a pressure-sensitive resistor assembly 304 .
  • each of the control buttons 301 has a head exposed and projecting upwardly from an upper surface of the casing 201 and mounted axially movably in the casing 201 .
  • the resilient member 302 has four upwardly projecting resilient pads 302 a made of insulating rubber or the like and having respective upper walls supporting the respective lower ends of the control buttons 301 .
  • a slanted surface of the corresponding resilient pad 302 a flexes and moves downwardly in unison with the control button 301 .
  • the resilient member 302 serves as an urging means for automatically restoring the pressed control button 301 to its original position.
  • an insulating movable contact 305 is attached to an inner surface of the upper wall of the resilient pad 302 a.
  • the movable contact 305 is movable downwardly when the resilient pad 302 a flexes downwardly in response to a depression of the control button 301 .
  • the pressure-sensitive resistor assembly 304 comprises four pressure-sensitive resistive layers 309 mounted on an upper surface of a thin insulating sheet 308 .
  • the pressure-sensitive resistive layers 309 are vertically aligned with the respective control buttons 301 , the respective upper walls of the resilient pads 302 a, and the respective movable contacts 305 .
  • the pressure applied to one of the control buttons 301 is transmitted via the upper wall of the corresponding resilient pad 302 a and the corresponding movable contact 305 to the corresponding pressure-sensitive resistive layer 309 .
  • Each of the pressure-sensitive resistive layers 309 may be made of pressure-sensitive electrically conductive rubber, and has a pair of electrodes 309 a, 309 b at respective diametrically opposite ends thereof.
  • the electric resistance of the pressure-sensitive resistive layer 309 between the electrodes 309 a, 309 b varies depending on the pressure acting on the pressure-sensitive resistive layer 309 , and hence can produce a multigradation output from the electrodes 309 a, 309 b depending on the varying electric resistance of the pressure-sensitive resistive layer 309 .
  • the electrodes 309 a, 309 b are electrically connected to an internal circuit of the manual controller 200 which includes the A/D converter of the 4-bit resolution.
  • the manual controller 200 is capable of producing multigradation outputs using entirely or partly the resolution of the A/D converter, and also of producing binary outputs using the LSB of the digital signal produced by the A/D converter.
  • the plug 203 (see FIG. 1) of the manual controller 200 is pin-compatible with those slave manual controllers that are presently commercially available or used at home, so that the manual controller 200 can be replaced with a slave manual controller.
  • FIG. 5 shows in exploded perspective a control unit, corresponding to the second control unit 220 , of a slave manual controller 200 P which is capable of producing only binary outputs as control information.
  • FIG. 6 shows in fragmentary cross section the control unit, corresponding to the second control unit 220 , of the slave manual controller 200 P.
  • the slave manual controller 200 P has an outer shape identical to that of the manual controller 200 .
  • the slave manual controller 200 P and the manual controller 200 are identical in shape to each other, they may be made visually distinguishable by different colors, different labels, or different type numbers, etc. thereon.
  • the slave manual controller 200 P has a fixed switch contact assembly 303 in place of the pressure-sensitive resistor assembly 304 of the manual controller 200 .
  • each of the resilient pads 302 a has an electrically conductive contact 305 P, rather than the insulating movable contact 305 P, supported on an inner surface thereof.
  • the fixed switch contact assembly 303 comprises four fixed contact sets 307 mounted on an upper surface of a thin flexible sheet 306 such as a membrane.
  • Each of the fixed contact sets 307 comprises first and second fixed contacts 307 a, 307 b spaced from each other, and is disposed in vertical alignment with one of the movable contacts 305 P.
  • each of the fixed contact sets 307 also has a pair of electrodes 309 c, 307 d at respective diametrically opposite ends of the first and second fixed contacts 307 a, 307 b.
  • the electrodes 307 c, 307 d are electrically connected to an internal circuit of the slave manual controller 200 P, so that the internal circuit can produce a binary output of control data.
  • FIG. 7 shows in block form an electric circuit arrangement of the entertainment system 10 , which includes an electric circuit arrangement of the entertainment apparatus 12 shown in FIG. 1 .
  • the entertainment apparatus 12 basically comprises a control system 150 including a central processing unit (CPU) 150 A functioning as a transmission definition indication data transmitting means and peripheral devices thereof, a graphic system 152 including a frame buffer (not illustrated) and a graphic processing unit (GPU) for calculating, rendering, and storing images in the frame buffer, a sound system 154 including a sound processing unit (SPU) for generating music sounds and sound effects, the optical disk drive 22 functioning as a reading device for controlling the readout of the optical disk OD in which application programs and data are stored, a communication controller 160 for controlling communications with the manual controller 200 and a non-illustrated memory card, and a bus 162 to which the control system 150 , the graphic system 152 , the sound system 154 , the optical disk drive 22 , and the communication controller 160 are connected.
  • the graphic system 152 and the sound system 154 has respective output terminals connected to the display monitor 20 .
  • the control system 150 has the CPU 150 A, a main memory 150 B comprising a random-access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM) 150 C storing a system program such as an operating system for managing the main memory 150 B, the graphic system 152 , and the sound system 154 , and a peripheral device controller (not shown) for controlling interrupts and direct memory access (DMA) transfer.
  • a main memory 150 B comprising a random-access memory (RAM)
  • ROM read-only memory
  • DMA direct memory access
  • the graphic system 152 comprises a geometric transfer engine (GTE) for processing coordinate transformations, etc., the GPU for rendering images according to a rendering command from the CPU 150 A, the frame buffer for storing images rendered by the GPU, and an image decoder for decoding image data which has been compressed and coded by orthogonal transform such as discrete cosine transform.
  • GTE geometric transfer engine
  • the GPU for rendering images according to a rendering command from the CPU 150 A
  • the frame buffer for storing images rendered by the GPU
  • an image decoder for decoding image data which has been compressed and coded by orthogonal transform such as discrete cosine transform.
  • the optical disk drive 22 comprises an optical disk device for reproducing programs and data recorded in the optical disk OD, a decoder for decoding programs and data recorded with an added error-correcting code, and a buffer for temporarily storing data read from the optical disk device to speed up the readout of data from the optical disk OD.
  • the communication controller 160 controls communications between the manual controller 200 and the CPU 150 A via the bus 162 .
  • FIG. 8 shows in block form an electric circuit arrangement of the manual controller 200 that is connected to the jack 16 A or 16 B of the entertainment apparatus 12 by the connecting cord 202 and the plug 203 .
  • the 12 A/D converters 173 A are connected to respective output terminals of the control units 251 for producing 4-bit multigradation outputs, i.e., the first control unit 210 having the first through fourth control buttons 211 , 212 , 213 , 214 , the second control unit 220 having the fifth through eighth control buttons 221 , 222 , 223 , 224 , the R buttons 234 , and the L buttons 235 , and supply 4-bit multigradation outputs to the microcomputer 170 .
  • the 4 A/D converters 173 B are connected to respective output terminals of the joystick control units 241 , 242 , and supply 8-bit multigradation outputs to the microcomputer 170 .
  • the CPU 170 A incorporates therein a button information register 400 as a storage unit for storing transmission definition indication data defining the types of control data to be transmitted from the manual controller 200 to the entertainment apparatus 12 .
  • FIG. 9 shows showing details of the button information register 400 .
  • the button information register 400 has first and second button information registers (also referred to as “first and second registers”) 400 A, 400 B each of 1 bytes or 8 bits.
  • the button information storage units 401 A, 401 B corresponding to the 0th and 1st bits of the first button information register 400 A store on-off information, i.e., binary information, of the 15 control units, i.e., the 12 control units 251 and the 3 control units 252 .
  • the button information storage units 401 C- 401 F corresponding to the 2nd through 5th bits of the first button information register 400 A store respective 8-bit X-direction information and 8-bit Y-direction information of the joystick control unit 242 and respective 8-bit X-direction information and 8-bit Y-direction information of the joystick control unit 241 , which are represented by the outputs from the 4 A/D converters 173 B.
  • the button information storage units 401 G- 401 L corresponding to the 6th and 7th bits of the first button information register 400 A and the 0th through 3rd bits of the second button information register 400 B store respective 4-bit information that represents pressure-sensitive resistance information of the 12 control units 251 .
  • the 4-bit information that represents pressure-sensitive resistance information of the control buttons 211 , 212 is stored in the button information storage unit 401 G.
  • the 4-bit information that represents pressure-sensitive resistance information of the control buttons 213 , 214 is stored in the button information storage unit 401 H.
  • the 4-bit information that represents pressure-sensitive resistance information of the control buttons 221 , 223 is stored in the button information storage unit 401 I.
  • the 4-bit information that represents pressure-sensitive resistance information of the control buttons 222 , 224 is stored in the button information storage unit 401 J.
  • the 4-bit information that represents pressure-sensitive resistance information of R (R 1 ) button 234 and the L (L 1 ) button 235 is stored in the button information storage unit 401 K.
  • the 4-bit information that represents pressure-sensitive resistance information of R (R 2 ) button 234 and the L (L 2 ) button 235 is stored in the button information storage unit 401 L.
  • the button information storage unit 401 M corresponding to the 4th through 7th bits of the second button information register 400 B are undefined, i.e., are reserved.
  • FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrative of the operation of a device driver for the manual controller 200 to perform communications between the entertainment apparatus 12 and the manual controller 200 .
  • FIG. 11 shows a processing sequence of the CPU 150 A of the entertainment apparatus 12 with respect to the operation of the device driver.
  • FIG. 12 shows a processing sequence of the CPU 170 A of the manual controller 200 with respect to the operation of the device driver.
  • the lid opening button 30 When the user presses the lid opening button 30 , the lid of the disk loading unit 24 is opened. The user then inserts a desired optical disk OD into the disk loading unit 24 , and closes the lid.
  • the optical disk OD as a recording medium stores application programs, data, and a device driver for the manual controller 200 .
  • the device driver for the manual controller 200 is a program used to control communications with the manual controller 200 and make the manual controller 200 usable.
  • the entertainment apparatus 12 When the user presses the power supply switch 28 , the entertainment apparatus 12 is initialized in step S 1 shown in FIG. 11 .
  • the entertainment apparatus 12 also supplies electric power to the manual controller 200 , which is initialized in step S 21 shown in FIG. 12 .
  • the CPU 150 A of the control system 150 of the entertainment apparatus 12 executes an operating system stored in the ROM 150 C to make it possible to control the graphic system 152 and the sound system 154 .
  • the CPU 150 A also reads the device driver for the manual controller 200 from the optical disk OD into the main memory 150 B.
  • the device driver may be stored in advance as part of a BIOS (Basic I/O System) in the ROM 150 C, and may be executed when the entertainment apparatus 12 is turned on.
  • BIOS Basic I/O System
  • the entertainment apparatus 12 may have a wireless communication capability or an ability to connect to a public network, so that it can download the device driver from a broadcasting station or via the Internet.
  • the CPU 150 A refers to the device driver stored in the main memory 150 B, or preferentially refers to the device driver stored in the ROM 150 C if it has been stored in advance in the ROM 150 C, and carries out a sequence operation shown in FIG. 10 based on the device driver in order to initialize the 0th-7th bits of each of the first and second button information registers 400 A, 400 B.
  • the CPU 150 A sends a connection acknowledgment command in a sequence step K 1 via the communication controller 160 to the manual controller 200 .
  • the manual controller 200 When the manual controller 200 receives the connection acknowledgment command in step S 21 , the manual controller 200 sends an acknowledgment (ACK) signal indicating that the connection of the manual controller 200 to the entertainment apparatus 12 is normal (OK) to the entertainment apparatus 12 in a sequence step K 2 .
  • ACK acknowledgment
  • the entertainment apparatus 12 In response to the acknowledgment (ACK) signal from the manual controller 200 , the entertainment apparatus 12 sends a first command to enter a setting mode for setting the button information register 400 ( 400 A, 400 B) to the manual controller 200 in a sequence step K 3 .
  • the entertainment apparatus 12 In response to the acknowledgment (ACK) signal from the manual controller 200 , the entertainment apparatus 12 sends initial transmission definition indication data Db defining a type of control data to be outputted from the manual controller 200 , as default data representing attributes when none is explicitly specified, to the manual controller 200 in a sequence step K 5 .
  • the manual controller 200 sends an acknowledgment (ACK) signal as an updating end signal, here an initialization end signal, to the entertainment apparatus 12 in a sequence step K 6 .
  • ACK acknowledgment
  • the entertainment apparatus 12 In response to the acknowledgment (ACK) signal as an updating end signal, the entertainment apparatus 12 sends a command to enter a normal mode to finish the initializing process to the manual controller 200 in a sequence step K 7 .
  • ACK acknowledgment
  • the manual controller 200 sends an acknowledgment (ACK) signal that acknowledges the command to enter the normal mode to the entertainment apparatus 12 in a sequence step K 8 .
  • ACK acknowledgment
  • the default values set in the button information register 400 correspond to the pin-compatible slave manual controller 200 P. Since the manual controller 200 is set to output only the same control data as the control data outputted from the slave manual controller 200 P in the initializing process, the manual controller 200 can be used in placed of the slave manual controller 200 P.
  • the entertainment apparatus 12 After the initializing process in steps S 1 , S 21 , the entertainment apparatus 12 performs the processing of a normal mode in step S 2 , and the manual controller 200 also performs the processing of a normal mode in step S 22 .
  • the entertainment apparatus 12 reads an application program from the optical disk OD and executes the read application program.
  • the button information register 400 ( 400 A, 400 B) and the CPU 170 A of the manual controller 200 function as a control data transmission defining means for defining a type of control data to be outputted to the entertainment apparatus 12 which is an external apparatus as seen from the manual controller 200 . Since instructions from the entertainment apparatus 12 are externally inputted instructions as seen from the manual controller 200 , the button information register 400 ( 400 A, 400 B) and the CPU 170 A may also be regarded as a control data transmission defining means for defining a type of control data to be outputted from the manual controller 200 in response to externally inputted instructions.
  • step S 3 shown in FIG. 11 the CPU 150 A of the entertainment apparatus 12 confirms whether there is a command for entering a setting mode to update (change) the content of the transmission definition indication data Db in the application program while the application program is being executed.
  • a command for entering a setting mode is issued when situations change or levels of complexity changes while a game program, for example, is being executed.
  • step S 3 If there is not a command for entering a setting mode in step S 3 , then the normal mode is repeatedly processed in step S 2 .
  • the CPU 150 A If the CPU 150 A confirms a command for entering a setting mode in the application program that is being presently executed, then the CPU 150 A updates the contents of the bits of the button information register 400 to update (change) the content of the transmission definition indication data Db according to the sequence shown in FIG. 10 in the same manner as with the initializing process described above.
  • step S 3 the CPU 150 A refers to the device driver for the manual controller 200 which ,is stored in the main memory 150 B. Then, the CPU 150 A sends a connection acknowledgment command in the sequence step K 1 to the manual controller 200 in step S 4 in order to update the contents of the 0th-7th bits of the first and second button information registers 400 A, 400 B.
  • the manual controller 200 If the manual controller 200 confirms the connection acknowledgment command from the entertainment apparatus 12 in step S 23 shown in FIG. 12, then the manual controller 200 sends an acknowledgment (ACK) signal to the entertainment apparatus 12 in the sequence step K 2 in step S 24 .
  • ACK acknowledgment
  • the entertainment apparatus 12 If the entertainment apparatus 12 receives the acknowledgment (ACK) signal in step S 5 , then the entertainment apparatus 12 sends a command for entering a setting mode to set the button information register 400 ( 400 A, 400 B) to the manual controller 200 in the sequence K 3 in step S 6 .
  • the manual controller 200 If the manual controller 200 confirms the reception of the command for entering the setting mode in step S 25 , then the manual controller 200 sends an acknowledgment (ACK) signal to the entertainment apparatus 12 in the sequence step K 4 in step S 26 .
  • ACK acknowledgment
  • the entertainment apparatus 12 If the entertainment apparatus 12 receives the acknowledgment (ACK) signal in step S 7 , then the entertainment apparatus 12 sends updating transmission definition indication data Db indicated by the application program to the manual controller 200 in the sequence step K 5 in step S 8 .
  • the manual controller 200 receives the updating transmission definition indication data Db in step S 27 , then the manual controller 200 updates or changes the contents of the 0th-7th bits of the first and second button information registers 400 A, 400 B according to the updating transmission definition indication data Db in step S 28 .
  • the manual controller 200 changes its output function from the production of binary outputs to the production of multigradation outputs based on the pressure-sensitive resistance information.
  • the manual controller 200 After having updated the contents of the button information register 400 in step S 28 , the manual controller 200 sends an updating end signal to the entertainment apparatus 12 in the sequence step K 6 in step S 29 .
  • the entertainment apparatus 12 If the entertainment apparatus 12 receives the updating end signal in step S 9 , then the entertainment apparatus 12 recognizes the end of the updating process, and sends a command to enter the normal mode to the manual controller 200 in the sequence step K 7 in step S 10 .
  • step S 30 If the manual controller 200 confirms the command to enter the normal mode in step S 30 , then the manual controller 200 sends an acknowledgment (ACK) signal to the entertainment apparatus 12 in the sequence step K 8 in step S 31 . Thereafter, the manual controller 200 enters the normal mode in step 522 .
  • ACK acknowledgment
  • the entertainment apparatus 12 If the entertainment apparatus 12 receives the acknowledgment (ACK) signal in the sequence step K 8 in step S 11 , then the entertainment apparatus 12 enters the normal mode in step 52 .
  • ACK acknowledgment
  • the CPU 170 A of the manual controller 200 transmits only the control data of the type set by the button information register 400 to the entertainment apparatus 12 in each frame during the time ta in the upper sequence 1 shown in FIG. 19 .
  • the time required to communicate between the manual controller 200 and the entertainment apparatus 12 is reduced.
  • the number of control data transmitted from the manual controller 200 to the entertainment apparatus 12 can be limited to a predetermined number of control data that can be transmitted within the time ta for communications with the manual controller 200 as shown in the upper sequence 1 in FIG. 19, according to the program recorded in the optical disk OD, so that the time or baud rate for communications between the manual controller 200 and the entertainment apparatus 12 connected thereto does not need to be increased, and the manual controller 200 has a function to produce analog outputs, i.e., multigradation outputs, depending on the magnitude of the pressure acting on the control units.
  • each of the multigradation-output control units 251 produces a 4-bit output.
  • each of the multigradation-output control units 251 may produce an 8-bit output as with the control units 241 , 242 .
  • the optical disk OD stores the device driver for the manual controller 200 as the program which comprises the step (sequence steps K 1 , K 2 ) of confirming an electric connection to the manual controller 200 , the step (sequence steps K 3 , K 4 ) of entering from the normal mode into the setting mode (control data transmission defining mode) after the electric connection to the manual controller 200 is confirmed, the step (sequence steps K 5 , K 6 ) of sending the transmission definition indication data Db defining a type of control data to be transmitted to the manual controller 200 , and the step (sequence steps K 7 , K 8 ) of causing the manual controller 200 to enter from the setting mode (control data transmission defining mode) into the normal mode.
  • the entertainment apparatus 12 execute the device driver stored in the optical disk OD, it is possible to set and update a type of control data to be transmitted from the manual controller 200 when the application program is being executed as well as when the application program starts being executed.
  • the optical disk OD stores a program which has, among the above steps, the step (sequence steps K 1 , K 2 ) of confirming an electric connection to the manual controller 200 and the step (sequence steps K 5 , K 6 ) of sending the transmission definition indication data Db defining a type of control data to be transmitted to the manual controller 200 , then it is possible to set a type of control data to be transmitted from the manual controller 200 at least when the application program starts being executed.
  • FIG. 13 shows in perspective an entertainment system 10 A according to another embodiment of the present invention.
  • Those parts of the entertainment system 10 A which are identical to those of the entertainment system 10 according to the preceding embodiment are denoted by identical reference numerals or identical reference numerals with a suffix A, and will not be described in detail below.
  • the entertainment system 10 A comprises an entertainment apparatus 12 A for executing various programs, a memory card 514 as a card-shaped external storage device (external memory) detachably connected to the entertainment apparatus 12 A, a manual controller 200 A for supplying control requests from the user or game player to the entertainment apparatus 12 A in a wireless fashion via a relay device 515 that is detachably connected to the entertainment apparatus 12 A, and a display monitor 20 such as a television receiver for being supplied with video and audio signals from the entertainment apparatus 12 A and displaying images and outputting sounds.
  • a memory card 514 as a card-shaped external storage device (external memory) detachably connected to the entertainment apparatus 12 A
  • a manual controller 200 A for supplying control requests from the user or game player to the entertainment apparatus 12 A in a wireless fashion via a relay device 515 that is detachably connected to the entertainment apparatus 12 A
  • a display monitor 20 such as a television receiver for being supplied with video and audio signals from the entertainment apparatus 12 A and displaying images and outputting sounds.
  • the entertainment apparatus 12 A has a casing substantially in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped.
  • the entertainment apparatus 12 A has on the front panel of the casing a disk tray 24 A movable into and out of the casing and serving as a display loading unit for loading an optical disk OD as a recording medium storing programs and data, a reset switch 26 for resetting a program that is being presently executed by the entertainment apparatus 12 A, an open button 30 A for moving the disk tray 24 A out of the casing, a pair of upper jacks 18 A, 18 B for receiving the memory card 514 , and a pair of lower jacks 16 A, 16 B for receiving the connector (plug) of the relay device 515 .
  • the entertainment apparatus 12 A has on the rear panel of the casing a power supply switch 28 and AV (Audio Visual) multi-output terminals (not shown) as video and audio output terminals that are connected to the display monitor 20 via an AV cable.
  • AV Audio Visual
  • the plug 203 of the manual controller 200 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 can be inserted into either one of the jacks 16 A, 16 B.
  • the relay device 515 shown in FIG. 13 may be inserted into either one of the jacks 16 A, 16 B of the entertainment apparatus 12 shown in FIG. 1, so that the wireless manual controller 200 A can be used with the entertainment apparatus 12 .
  • the entertainment apparatus 12 A shown in FIG. 13 has various control functions including a control function to read a computer game (video game) program from the optical disk OD as a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, etc. which stores such a computer game program and data, and execute the computer game program to display characters and scenes on the display monitor 20 , a control function to play back movies recorded on other optical disks OD such as DVDs (Digital Video Disks), and a control function to play back music pieces recorded on optical disks OD such as CDDA (Compact Disk Digital Audio).
  • the entertainment apparatus 12 A also has a function to execute a program downloaded from a communication network. While the entertainment apparatus 12 A is executing a game program, the display monitor 20 displays three-dimensional computer graphics images that are generated by the entertainment apparatus 12 A.
  • Signals sent from the manual controller 200 A to the entertainment apparatus 12 A are processed by one of the above control functions of the entertainment apparatus 12 A to move and change characters displayed on the display monitor 20 and change scenes displayed on the display monitor 20 .
  • the manual controller 200 A also functions as a wireless remote controller for sending a playback command, a pause command, and a subtitle selection command to the entertainment apparatus 12 A when a DVD or a CDDA is played back by the entertainment apparatus 12 A.
  • the manual controller 200 A has first and second control units 210 , 220 disposed in left and right areas on the upper central surface of its casing 201 , third and fourth control units 235 , 234 disposed on the front side of the casing 201 , and left and right joysticks 241 , 242 disposed in left and right areas on the upper side surface of its casing 201 remote from the front side thereof.
  • the left and right joysticks 241 , 242 are associated with respective actuators (not shown) comprising vibrating motors for imparting vibrations to the left and right joysticks 241 , 242 according to the game program.
  • the first control unit 210 comprises a pressable control unit for moving characters displayed on the display screen of the display monitor 20 , and its function is set by a program recorded in the optical disk OD.
  • the first control unit 210 comprises four control buttons (also referred to as “control keys” or “direction keys”) 211 , 212 , 213 , 214 that the user or game player can press to move a displayed character upwardly, downwardly, leftwardly, and rightwardly on the display screen of the display monitor 20 .
  • the control button 211 is also referred to as a left direction key, the control button 212 a right direction key, the control button 213 an upward direction key, and the control button 214 a downward direction key.
  • the second control unit 220 has four control buttons 221 , 222 , 223 , 224 each in the form of a pressable cylinder.
  • the control buttons 221 , 222 , 223 , 224 are marked respectively with “ ⁇ ”, “ ⁇ ”, “ ⁇ ”, “x”, and are also referred to as a ⁇ button, a ⁇ button, a ⁇ button, and an x button.
  • control buttons 221 - 224 of the second control unit 220 are set by the program recorded in the optical disk OD.
  • the control buttons 221 - 224 are allocated respective functions to move the left arm, the right arm, the left leg, and the right leg of the displayed character, for example.
  • the third and fourth control units 235 , 234 are identical in structure to each other, and have two upper and lower pressable control buttons (L 1 , L 2 buttons) 235 a, 235 b and two upper and lower pressable control buttons (R 1 , R 2 buttons) 234 a, 234 b, respectively.
  • Functions of the third and fourth control units 235 , 234 are also set by the program recorded in the optical disk OD.
  • the third and fourth control units 235 , 234 are allocated a function to impart special motions to displayed characters and a function to change displayed characters.
  • the left and right joystick control units 241 , 242 are combined with respective signal input devices such as rheostats which can be swiveled 360° about their shafts.
  • the left and right joystick control units 241 , 242 can be returned to their neutral position by resilient members (not shown).
  • the left and right joystick control units 241 , 242 serve as fifth and sixth pressable control units comprising control buttons (L 3 , R 3 buttons) 241 a, 242 a, respectively.
  • the left and right joystick control units 241 , 242 When the left and right joystick control units 241 , 242 are swiveled, they enter command signals to cause a displayed character to make an analog action, i.e., to move the displayed character while rotating same, or move the displayed character at a varying speed, or change states of the displayed character.
  • the displayed character when the user operates the left joystick 241 , the displayed character can move in the direction indicated by an arrow cursor, as described later on.
  • FIG. 14 shows in cross section an internal structure of a portion of the manual controller 200 A.
  • a control button 102 represents each of the direction keys 211 - 214 of the first control unit 210 , each of the control buttons 221 - 224 of the second control unit 220 , each of the L 1 , L 2 buttons 235 a, 235 b, the R 1 , R 2 buttons 234 a, 234 b of the third and fourth control units 235 , 234 , and each of the control buttons 241 a, 242 a of the fifth and sixth control units.
  • a resilient electrically conductive member 106 having a downwardly tapered shape is attached to the lower surface of the control button 102 by an insulating resilient pad 104 .
  • a resistive layer (resistor) 110 is disposed downwardly of the resilient electrically conductive member 106 in vertical alignment therewith.
  • the resistive layer 110 has an end connected to a voltage source having a voltage Vcc via a pattern and the other end connected to an end of a fixed resistive layer (resistor) 108 via a pattern.
  • the resistive layers 110 , 108 are disposed on an insulating board 112 .
  • the other end of the fixed resistive layer 108 is connected to ground.
  • FIG. 14 shows the manner in which the control unit operates as a pressure-sensitive element for producing a signal output proportional to the pressure applied thereto.
  • FIG. 15 shows in block form an electric circuit arrangement of major components of the manual controller 200 A and the relay device 515 .
  • the control buttons 221 - 224 , the L 1 , L 2 buttons 235 a, 235 b, the R 1 , R 2 buttons 234 a, 234 b, and the control buttons 241 a, 242 a are pressed, i.e., when the control button 102 is pressed, the resilient electrically conductive member 106 is depressed into contact with the resistive layer 110 .
  • the resistance of the resistive layer 110 is apparently changed depending on the area of contact between the resilient electrically conductive member 106 and the resistive layer 110 .
  • a divided voltage (analog value) Va produced by the resistive layers 110 , 108 is changed and applied as an input signal to an A/D converter 114 (see FIG. 15 ).
  • the resilient electrically conductive member 106 and the resistive layer 110 jointly make up a pressure-sensitive element whose electric resistance varies depending on the pressure applied from the control button 102 . Therefore, the resistive layer 110 serves as a rheostat.
  • the manual controller 200 A has an MPU (MicroProcessor Unit) 118 as a control means which comprises a CPU 170 A including a button information register 400 as a storage unit, a ROM 170 B, and a RAM 170 C that are connected to the CPU 170 A by a bus 171 .
  • MPU MicroProcessor Unit
  • the MPU 118 also has a switcher 126 whose operation is controlled by the CPU 170 A, and the A/D converter 114 .
  • the switcher 126 serves to switch between different functions of the A/D converter 114 , as described later on.
  • An analog signal (voltage) Va outputted from the output terminal of the resistive layer 110 is supplied to the A/D converter 114 , which converts the analog signal Va into a digital signal Vd.
  • the digital signal Vd outputted from the A/D converter 114 is applied to an interface (I/F) 174 A mounted on an internal board of the manual controller 12 A, and transmitted as a wireless infrared signal via the relay device 515 to the entertainment apparatus 12 A.
  • the digital signal Vd supplied to the entertainment apparatus 200 A serves to move the displayed character, for example.
  • the manual controller 200 A has a detachable battery 190 connected to a regulator 192 that serves as the voltage source.
  • the regulator 192 generates the voltage Vcc that is supplied to various circuits in the manual controller 200 A.
  • the relay device 515 has an MPU (MicroProcessor Unit) 520 as a control means which comprises a CPU 522 including a button information register 400 as a storage unit, a ROM 524 , and a RAM 526 that are connected to the CPU 522 .
  • the MPU 520 has an infrared communication unit 528 (first wireless communication unit) that is controlled by the CPU 522 for its communicating operation.
  • the button information register 400 may be provided in either one of the manual controller 200 A and the relay device 515 .
  • the interface 174 A of the manual controller 200 A has an infrared communication unit 530 (second wireless communication unit) for performing infrared communications with the infrared communication unit 528 (first wireless communication unit) of the relay device 515 .
  • the manual controller 200 A and the relay device 515 may perform radio-wave communications using a weak radio wave therebetween, rather than infrared communications.
  • a change in the level of the analog signal Va outputted from the output terminal of the resistive layer 110 is commensurate with a change in the pressure applied from the control button 102 by the user. Therefore, the digital signal Vd outputted from the A/D converter 114 is commensurate with the pressure applied from the control button 102 by the user.
  • the motion of a displayed game character for example, is controlled by the digital signal Vd that is related to the pressure applied by the user, it is possible to achieve a smoother motion of the displayed game character than when the motion of the displayed game character is controlled by a binary digital signal of “1” or “0”.
  • the manual controller 200 A controls the switcher 126 via the interface 174 A based on transmission definition indication data Db transmitted as a control signal from the entertainment apparatus 12 A via the relay device 515 according to the program recorded in the optical disk OD.
  • the entertainment apparatus 12 A when the program recorded in the optical disk OD is executed, the entertainment apparatus 12 A outputs the transmission definition indication data Db indicative of whether the A/D converter 114 functions as a means for outputting a multivalued digital signal Vd having one of values ranging from 0 to 255 or a means for outputting a binary digital signal Vd having a value “0” or “1”, according to the program.
  • the transmission definition indication data Db is stored in the button information register 400 of the CPU 170 A, for example. Based on the transmission definition indication data Db, the CPU 170 A controls the switcher 126 to select one of the functions of the A/D converter 114 to produce either a binary output or a multivalued output. Consequently, whether the A/D converter 114 is to produce either a binary output or a multivalued output is determined by the program recorded in the optical disk OD.
  • either the left and right joysticks 241 , 242 or the first and second control units 210 , 220 are selected at a time by the mode selection switch 232 .
  • the indicator 233 is turned on, indicating the selection of the left and right joysticks 241 , 242 .
  • the manual controller 200 A further has a start switch 230 for instructing the entertainment apparatus 12 A to start a game, and a selection switch 231 for selecting a level of difficulty of the game before the game is started.
  • FIG. 13 An internal structure of the entertainment system 10 A shown in FIG. 13 and its general operation will be described below with reference to FIG. 16 .
  • the entertainment apparatus 12 A has a CPU 401 as a means for executing a program, a RAM 402 as a semiconductor memory connected to the CPU 401 , and a bus 403 connected to the CPU 401 .
  • the RAM 402 functions as a storage unit for successively storing programs and data recorded in the optical disk OD.
  • the CPU 401 functions to execute programs read from the optical disk OD and stored in the RAM 402 .
  • the graphic synthesizer 404 has a RAM 405 including a frame buffer, a Z buffer, and a texture memory, and a rendering engine (RE) 406 having a rendering function to render and store images in the frame buffer in the RAM 405 .
  • GS graphic synthesizer
  • IOP input/output processor
  • the graphic synthesizer 404 has a RAM 405 including a frame buffer, a Z buffer, and a texture memory, and a rendering engine (RE) 406 having a rendering function to render and store images in the frame buffer in the RAM 405 .
  • RE rendering engine
  • the display monitor 20 as an external device is connected to the graphic synthesizer 404 via an encoder 407 which converts a digital RGB signal, for example, into an NTSC television signal.
  • a driver (DRV) 410 for reproducing and decoding data recorded in the optical disk OD
  • a sound processor (SP) 412 for reproducing and decoding data recorded in the optical disk OD
  • a memory card 514 as an external memory comprising a flash memory
  • the manual controller 200 A connected in a wireless fashion by the relay device 515
  • a ROM 416 which stores an operating system, etc.
  • the sound processor 412 is connected via an amplifier 413 to a speaker 414 and the display monitor 20 which serve as external devices, and supplies an audio signal to the speaker 414 and the display monitor 20 via the amplifier 413 .
  • the memory card 514 comprises a card-shaped external storage device comprising a CPU or a gate array and a flash memory.
  • the memory card 514 is detachably connected to one of the jacks 18 A, 18 B of the entertainment apparatus 12 A shown in FIG. 13 .
  • the memory card 514 stores interim game data and a program for playing back DVDs, i.e., a DVD player program.
  • the program for playing back DVDs can be updated by the program stored in the optical disk OD.
  • the manual controller 200 A supplies commands (binary or multivalued commands) to the entertainment apparatus 12 A when the user presses a plurality of control buttons on the manual controller 200 A.
  • the driver 410 has a decoder for decoding images that are encoded based on MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) standards.
  • FIG. 17 shows the manner in which the manual controller 200 A is used as a wireless remote controller for the entertainment apparatus 12 A that functions as a DVD player.
  • the start switch 230 functions as a playback or pause button.
  • the selection switch 231 functions as a switch for accessing a control panel. Each time the selection switch 231 is pressed, it switches between the display and the non-display of the control panel of the DVD player on the display screen of the display monitor 20 . When the control panel is being displayed, a desired function can be selected by the direction keys 211 through 214 , and determined by the ⁇ button 221 .
  • the ⁇ button 223 is used to access a DVD menu stored in the DVD as the optical disk OD, and the ⁇ button 222 is used to access titles stored in the DVD.
  • the R 1 button 234 a is used to jump to a next chapter.
  • the L 1 button 235 a is used to jump to a previous chapter.
  • the R 2 button 234 b is used to perform a fast search.
  • the L 2 button 235 b is used to perform a rewinding search.
  • the x button 224 is used to cancel an action or stop the operation of the DVD player.
  • the R 3 button 242 a is a sound switching button for switching between English and Japanese dialogues.
  • the L 3 button 241 a is a subtitle switching button for switching between English subtitles, Japanese subtitles, and no subtitles.
  • the mode selection switch 232 is used to turn on and off the DVD player.
  • the user can select a desired function using the direction keys 211 through 214 , the ⁇ button 221 , and the x button 224 by viewing the image displayed on the display monitor 20 .
  • a card-shaped manual controller 200 B as shown in FIG. 18 may be used as a dedicated wireless remote controller.
  • the entertainment apparatus 12 A sends transmission definition indication data Db defining a type of control data to be outputted from the manual controller 200 A, via the relay device 515 to the manual controller 200 A in a wireless fashion. Therefore, the amount of control data transmitted from the manual controller 200 A to the entertainment apparatus 12 A can be reduced when the program starts being executed or is being executed.
  • the button information register 400 as the storage unit for storing the transmission definition indication data Db is provided in either the manual controller 200 A or the relay device 515 or both, it is not necessary to send the transmission definition indication data Db from the entertainment apparatus 12 A to the relay device 515 or via the relay device 515 to the manual controller 200 A unless the transmission definition indication data Db is changed.
  • the entertainment apparatus 12 A If the entertainment apparatus 12 A is to update or change the transmission definition indication data Db that defines a type of control data to be outputted from the manual controller 200 A, then the entertainment apparatus 12 A sends updating transmission definition indication data Db to the relay device 515 or via the relay device 515 to the manual controller 200 A, thus updating or changing the existing transmission definition indication data Db.
  • a type of control data to be outputted from the manual controller can be defined.
  • control units Even through the number of control units is increased, and the control units have more functions including a function to produce on-off outputs and a function to produce analog outputs depending on the pressure on the control units, the manual controller is not required to spend an increased time for communications between itself and the entertainment apparatus to which the manual controller is connected.
  • the time needed to perform communications between the manual controller and the entertainment apparatus to which the manual controller is connected can be reduced by adjusting or limiting types of control data to be transmitted between the manual controller and the entertainment apparatus.
  • the principles of the present invention are based on the fact that whereas almost all application programs do not use all, but only some of, the control buttons or function buttons of the manual controller, and differ as to which control buttons are to be used, the manual controller needs to have all the control units.
  • control buttons of the manual controller are to be used, more specifically, which control data of control buttons of the manual controller are to be transmitted to the entertainment apparatus, and such control button or control data settings can be updated by an application program that is being executed by the entertainment apparatus.
  • control button or control data settings can be updated by an application program that is being executed by the entertainment apparatus.
  • control units that are required in a next scene, i.e., to limit the number of enabled control units.
  • the manual controller can be used with the entertainment apparatus in a wireless environment.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Selective Calling Equipment (AREA)
  • Input From Keyboards Or The Like (AREA)
  • Computer And Data Communications (AREA)
  • Stored Programmes (AREA)
US09/656,463 1999-09-10 2000-09-06 Program executing system, relay device, manual controller, recording medium, program, and program executing apparatus Expired - Lifetime US6514143B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP25674599 1999-09-10
JP11-256745 1999-09-10
JP2000229240A JP3486157B2 (ja) 1999-09-10 2000-07-28 プログラム実行システム、中継装置、操作装置、記録媒体およびプログラム実行装置
JP2000-229240 2000-07-28

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US6514143B1 true US6514143B1 (en) 2003-02-04

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US09/656,463 Expired - Lifetime US6514143B1 (en) 1999-09-10 2000-09-06 Program executing system, relay device, manual controller, recording medium, program, and program executing apparatus

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US (1) US6514143B1 (fr)
EP (1) EP1218073B1 (fr)
JP (1) JP3486157B2 (fr)
KR (1) KR100766734B1 (fr)
CN (1) CN1209174C (fr)
AU (1) AU6875400A (fr)
BR (1) BR0013892A (fr)
CA (1) CA2385256A1 (fr)
DE (1) DE60035281T2 (fr)
MX (1) MXPA02002526A (fr)
NZ (1) NZ518106A (fr)
TW (1) TW556105B (fr)
WO (1) WO2001019479A1 (fr)

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US20040203524A1 (en) * 2002-12-31 2004-10-14 Nokia Corporation Rocker user interface for handheld devices, and method for implementing same
US20050174337A1 (en) * 2004-02-11 2005-08-11 Nielsen Paul S. Electronic handheld drawing and gaming system using television monitor
US20060111187A1 (en) * 2003-04-30 2006-05-25 Yoshio Miyazaki Method for communications and game device
US20080220865A1 (en) * 2007-03-06 2008-09-11 Wei Hsu Interactive playstation controller
US8654074B1 (en) * 2010-07-02 2014-02-18 Alpha and Omega, Inc. Remote control systems and methods for providing page commands to digital electronic display devices
US20150298001A1 (en) * 2014-04-21 2015-10-22 Steelseries Aps Programmable actuation inputs of an accessory and methods thereof
US9517391B2 (en) 2012-05-31 2016-12-13 Nike, Inc. Adjustable golf club and system and associated golf club heads and shafts
US10245487B2 (en) 2012-05-31 2019-04-02 Karsten Manufacturing Corporation Adjustable golf club and system and associated golf club heads and shafts
US10675532B2 (en) 2014-04-21 2020-06-09 Steelseries Aps Variable actuators of an accessory and methods thereof

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CN102114343B (zh) * 2009-12-31 2014-01-22 鼎亿数码科技(上海)有限公司 基于多游戏控制设备的动感游戏控制方法
WO2023145087A1 (fr) * 2022-01-31 2023-08-03 株式会社ソニー・インタラクティブエンタテインメント Dispositif d'actionnement, appareil de traitement d'informations, procédé de traitement d'informations et programme

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Cited By (19)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20040203524A1 (en) * 2002-12-31 2004-10-14 Nokia Corporation Rocker user interface for handheld devices, and method for implementing same
US7480522B2 (en) * 2002-12-31 2009-01-20 Nokia Corporation Rocker user interface for handheld devices, and method for implementing same
US20060111187A1 (en) * 2003-04-30 2006-05-25 Yoshio Miyazaki Method for communications and game device
US20050174337A1 (en) * 2004-02-11 2005-08-11 Nielsen Paul S. Electronic handheld drawing and gaming system using television monitor
US20080220865A1 (en) * 2007-03-06 2008-09-11 Wei Hsu Interactive playstation controller
US8654074B1 (en) * 2010-07-02 2014-02-18 Alpha and Omega, Inc. Remote control systems and methods for providing page commands to digital electronic display devices
US9522309B2 (en) 2012-05-31 2016-12-20 Nike, Inc. Adjustable golf club and system and associated golf club heads and shafts
US9517391B2 (en) 2012-05-31 2016-12-13 Nike, Inc. Adjustable golf club and system and associated golf club heads and shafts
US9713750B2 (en) 2012-05-31 2017-07-25 Karsten Manufacturing Corporation Adjustable golf club and system and associated golf club heads and shafts
US10245487B2 (en) 2012-05-31 2019-04-02 Karsten Manufacturing Corporation Adjustable golf club and system and associated golf club heads and shafts
US20150298001A1 (en) * 2014-04-21 2015-10-22 Steelseries Aps Programmable actuation inputs of an accessory and methods thereof
US10022622B2 (en) * 2014-04-21 2018-07-17 Steelseries Aps Programmable actuation inputs of an accessory and methods thereof
US10328341B2 (en) 2014-04-21 2019-06-25 Steelseries Aps Programmable actuation inputs of an accessory and methods thereof
US10675532B2 (en) 2014-04-21 2020-06-09 Steelseries Aps Variable actuators of an accessory and methods thereof
US10933313B2 (en) 2014-04-21 2021-03-02 Steelseries Aps Programmable actuation inputs of an accessory and methods thereof
US11318374B2 (en) * 2014-04-21 2022-05-03 Steelseries Aps Variable actuators of an accessory and methods thereof
US11602685B2 (en) * 2014-04-21 2023-03-14 Steelseries Aps Programmable actuation inputs of an accessory and methods thereof
US11865436B2 (en) 2014-04-21 2024-01-09 Steelseries Aps Variable actuators of an accessory and methods thereof
US11951385B2 (en) 2014-04-21 2024-04-09 Steelseries Aps Programmable actuation inputs of an accessory and methods thereof

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2001019479A1 (fr) 2001-03-22
DE60035281T2 (de) 2008-02-28
MXPA02002526A (es) 2002-07-30
DE60035281D1 (de) 2007-08-02
CN1450926A (zh) 2003-10-22
JP3486157B2 (ja) 2004-01-13
KR20020029787A (ko) 2002-04-19
AU6875400A (en) 2001-04-17
CN1209174C (zh) 2005-07-06
EP1218073B1 (fr) 2007-06-20
BR0013892A (pt) 2002-05-07
TW556105B (en) 2003-10-01
JP2001147767A (ja) 2001-05-29
NZ518106A (en) 2003-08-29
KR100766734B1 (ko) 2007-10-15
EP1218073A1 (fr) 2002-07-03
CA2385256A1 (fr) 2001-03-22

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